Judge: Diocese can shield names of accused priests

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Diocese of Davenport likely will release the names of two non-clergy members suspected of sexually abusing minors decades ago but will continue withholding the names of 18 priests whose accusers received financial settlements during its bankruptcy.

Diocese attorney Rand Wonio says a review board that meets Friday is expected to add the names of a former volunteer football coach and a former janitor to its online list of perpetrators of abuse. The list includes 31 former priests.

But he says a judge’s ruling allows the diocese to keep secret the names of 18 priests who were the subject of abuse allegations that the review board did not find credible.

The diocese is emerging from bankruptcy after reaching a $37 million settlement with abuse victims.